According to scientists, the record-breaking circumstances observed in 2023 could lead to a "cool year" in the UK by the end of the century.The Met Office's latest annual assessment on the state of the UK's climate examines temperatures, rainfall, and storms, as well as seasonal changes such as trees leafing out. It highlighted significant weather occurrences that occurred in Britain in 2023, such as the warmest June on record, the lengthy September heatwave, and Storm Babet, which caused widespread disruption, flooding, and numerous deaths when it hit in October.

In this year's report, the researchers focused on how specific high-impact weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. According to the latest data, the UK is experiencing more frequent spells of hot weather and a rise in excessive rainfall, which is posing difficulties for infrastructure, health, and welfare.In this year's report, the researchers focused on how specific high-impact weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. According to the latest data, the UK is experiencing more frequent spells of hot weather and a rise in excessive rainfall, which is posing difficulties for infrastructure, health, and welfare. From 1961 to 1990, only London and Hampshire had an average of six or more days per year above 28°C. 

Meanwhile, the number of “very hot” days that surpass 30°C have more than trebled in the UK during the 10-year period, compared with 1961-1990.

The UK is also getting wetter, the research suggests, with the 2014-2023 period seeing around 20% more days of exceptional rainfall.

Last year was the seventh wettest on record but also saw the wettest second half of a year ever.

Meanwhile, the storm season had its most active start with respect to the number of named storms since storm naming was introduced in 2015, with seven named storms, Agnes to Gerrit, from September to December.

Mike Kendon, lead author and Met Office climate scientist, said: “Our new analysis of these observations really shines a light on the fastest-changing aspects of our weather as a consequence of climate change.

On the other hand, 2014-2023 was found to be the UK’s warmest decade on record and included six of the top 10 warmest years, and was 1.25C warmer than the 1961-1990 average.

Under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, nations pledged to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

The UK’s mean temperature last year was 1.66C above the 1961-1990 averaging period, with the researchers estimating that another year like 2023 is now 150 times more likely under the current climate.